Dane Thompson - State of Drag and Drive
Dane Thompson was a guest on Episode 79 of the Drag Drive Repeat Show presented by Summit Racing. His insight and outspoken support of the drag and drive community created several great topics for us to discuss the episode! Here are a few, but you can also watch the episode HERE
Who You Are and Why You Do What You Do
Dane Thompson is a prominent figure in the drag-and-drive community, known for his passion for cars, especially those that require a hands-on, DIY approach. He’s a self-taught mechanic who learned the ropes by working on his own vehicles, starting with his iconic Maliboom—a car that has become a symbol of perseverance and ingenuity in the drag-and-drive world.
Background: Dane began his journey into the automotive world with a strong interest in cars, particularly those that could be built on a budget. His early experiences involved swapping engines and working on DIY projects, which eventually led him to the drag-and-drive scene.
Motivation: For Dane, the appeal of drag-and-drive events lies in the challenge of building a car that can both race and endure long drives. It’s not just about speed; it’s about reliability, creativity, and the ability to overcome obstacles—whether on the track or on the road.
What Got You Into Cars?
Dane’s love for cars began at a young age, influenced by the need for transportation and the desire to have a vehicle that was both functional and fast. Growing up in an environment where everything was miles away, he quickly realized the importance of having a car that could get him places, but his passion truly ignited when he discovered drag racing.
First Car: His first major project was the Maliboom, a car he acquired when his son was just a toddler. This car, which was named by his son who couldn’t pronounce “Malibu,” became a lifelong project and eventually a well-known vehicle in the drag-and-drive community.
First Event: Dane’s first foray into drag-and-drive was at the Zip Tie Drags, where he budget-swapped his car for a fraction of what most would expect, highlighting his ability to achieve big results with minimal resources.
PowerPak Pistons - Mahle in His RV
One of the key components in Dane’s builds, particularly in his RV, is the use of Mahle PowerPak Pistons. These pistons are well-regarded in the racing community for their durability and performance, especially under the extreme conditions faced in drag-and-drive events.
Mahle’s Contribution: Mahle has been a supporter of Dane’s projects, recognizing his dedication and skill. The PowerPak Pistons used in his RV are a testament to the trust and quality that Mahle represents in the racing world.
Performance Benefits: These pistons are known for their superior strength and ability to withstand high-stress environments, making them ideal for both drag racing and the long drives involved in drag-and-drive events.
Percentage of Cars in Drag-and-Drive Events
During the livestream, Dane discussed the diversity of cars in drag-and-drive events, emphasizing that while the fast cars often get the spotlight, they represent only a small percentage of the overall participants.
Estimate: Dane estimated that about 30% of the cars in these events are capable of running sub-10-second times, leaving the majority of participants in the 10-second and slower categories.
Diverse Participation: This diversity is what makes drag-and-drive events unique, as they cater to a wide range of enthusiasts, from those with high-powered machines to those running more modest setups.
Do It Yourself - Something Small: Drive Day Cruise
Dane highlighted the importance of DIY culture within the drag-and-drive community, particularly for newcomers who might be intimidated by the scope of these events. He suggested starting small, perhaps with a “Drive Day Cruise,” to get a feel for the demands of a drag-and-drive event.
Drive Day Cruise Concept: This would involve a day where participants drive their cars on a pre-planned route, experiencing the road aspect of a drag-and-drive event without the pressure of racing.
Building Confidence: Such an event would help participants build confidence in their vehicles and themselves, providing a low-risk introduction to the drag-and-drive lifestyle.
What Do You Think Would Help Grow the Sport?
The discussion around growing the sport of drag-and-drive brought up several key points from community members, each addressing different aspects that could be improved.
Adam Dorey: Emphasized the need for more tracks to connect unused areas of the country. He pointed out that while the sport is thriving, it can get repetitive using the same tracks, especially when trying to accommodate 6-second cars.
John Gillman: Suggested that more focus should be placed on the racers’ experience between tracks, not just while they are at the tracks. He also mentioned the need for better class separation and more engagement from event organizers on social media.
Cody Wallace: Mentioned the difficulty in registering for these events, as they sell out quickly, and not everyone can take a week off work for road week.
Shawn Allsup: Proposed that Jr. Street should be a class at all drag-and-drive events, highlighting the importance of engaging the younger generation as they are the future of the sport.
Feeder Event
A feeder event was discussed as a potential way to introduce new participants to drag-and-drive without the full commitment of a national event. This could serve as a stepping stone for those interested in the sport but hesitant to dive in headfirst.
Concept: Smaller, regional events that feed into larger national ones, offering winners or top performers a guaranteed spot in bigger events.
Benefits: This approach would help build skills and confidence among participants, making them more prepared and invested when they move on to larger events.
Specialty Products and Car Shows
The idea of integrating specialty products and car shows into drag-and-drive events was discussed as a way to enhance the overall experience for participants and spectators alike.
Product Demos: Featuring companies that specialize in racing parts, tools, and other automotive products could add value to the event, giving participants a chance to see and purchase the latest innovations.
Car Shows: Incorporating a car show element would allow participants to showcase their vehicles beyond the track, fostering a deeper sense of community and engagement.
Event Coverage: Paying for Coverage
The question of whether participants would be willing to pay for enhanced event coverage was raised, particularly in relation to the success of paid coverage for Sick events.
Feasibility: There’s a potential market for paid coverage, but it would need to offer significant value to justify the cost. The discussion included whether the added expense would be worth the hassle for organizers and participants.
Content Creation: An idea was floated about smaller YouTubers joining forces to hire an editor, pooling resources to create higher-quality content that could be distributed across multiple channels.
Gas Station Snacks
A lighter topic during the discussion was about the go-to gas station snacks for drag-and-drive events. Here’s what the participants had to say:
Dane: His cooler is stocked with Topo Chico, beef jerky, and sunflower seeds—a combo that keeps him energized and focused during long drives.
Mike: Prefers beef jerky, honey-roasted cashews or peanuts, and a Gatorade to stay hydrated and fueled.
Eric: Energy drinks and snacks to keep the momentum going.
Stolen Cars at Drag-and-Drive Events
The issue of car theft at drag-and-drive events was a serious concern discussed during the livestream. Participants shared various strategies to deter thieves and protect their vehicles.
Visual Deterrents: Suggestions included using car covers, removing a wheel, or chaining the wheels together to make the car less accessible.
Security Measures: Sam Tucker recommended pulling the fuel pump relay and starter relay when staying at a motel, making it more difficult for thieves to start the car.
Host Hotels: Many agreed that staying at the host hotel, where there’s a larger community presence and often added security, is a good way to reduce the risk of theft.
